Plans for Exeter East Park development get the green light

30 October 2018

Plans for the development of new student accommodation at East Park on the University of Exeter’s Streatham Campus have been approved by Exeter City Council.

University Partnerships Programme (UPP), the UK’s leading provider of on-campus residential and academic accommodation infrastructure, will be working with long-term partner the University of Exeter. UPP will be responsible for the design, build, funding and operation of the new accommodation.

East Park will be the University’s largest on-campus accommodation build since 2012 and forms part of a plan to create an additional 1,500 bedrooms in total.

The new development will comprise of 1,182 high-quality bedrooms and will help create a safe and secure community, with access to all the services students need on their doorstep, whilst also respecting the natural environment and minimising the impact of the development on nearby residents.

The East Park site has been marked for development for the University’s use since the 1970s. The project is one of several significant investments being made at the University as part of its commitment to reducing pressure on the city’s housing stock by accommodating more students on campus whilst continuing to attract high-calibre students and offering the best student experience possible.

Outline planning approval for the site was approved in April 2017. Following feedback from the local community, staff, and students on the updated plans, the Reserved Matters application was submitted in August 2018 and the plans approved on Monday 29 October 2018.

Works are due to commence in early 2019 with the new accommodation set to open in two phases from September 2020 and September 2021.

Sean O’Shea, Group Chief Executive Officer of UPP, said: “This news is a testament to the strength of our existing bespoke, long-term partnership with the University. Since 2009, we have delivered and operated circa 2,500 high-quality and affordable purpose-built student residences on campus.

“Through the proposed development, we will help the University to maintain and enhance its reputation for delivering an internationally excellent education. We look forward to continuing to support the University’s strategic objectives and taking another step forward in this close relationship.”

Mike Shore-Nye, Registrar and Secretary at the University said: “We are delighted to receive approval for our plans. The East Park development will create more high-quality, on-campus accommodation for our students, reducing the pressure on the city’s housing stock whilst strengthening our commitment to offer an excellent student experience.

“We will liaise closely with the local community to ensure the development process is a success for everyone. The East Park development is a significant project for the University which forms part of our ambitious Capital Strategy to invest in our campuses, estate and infrastructure over the next 10 years.”

The approved plans include buildings set across three terraces. Buildings are organised around a central green corridor, offering a variety of social and interactive spaces for students.

The East Park development will offer a choice of room types and rent levels. Responding to student feedback, the bedrooms have been designed with a focus on enhanced health and wellbeing by minimising noise and light pollution.

All accommodation is arranged in flats to be shared between six to ten students with communal kitchen, living and dining facilities. The residences will meet an enhanced level of Secure by Design standards.